How do I clean white wine stains from cotton?

Blot with something absorbent, dab with a detergent and water mix, rinse, soak in a solution of cold water and white vinegar, and finally wash and dry.

WikiLaundry > Stains > White wine > Cotton

The White Way to Clean White Wine Stains from Cotton

White wine stains on your favorite cotton garments can ruin the look of your outfit. Don't let a spilled glass of Chardonnay take away your style. Here are some tips to quickly and effectively remove those pesky white wine stains.

Updated 20 Feb 2023

By Peter Blackwood

Step One: Blot, don’t rub

As soon as you notice a spill, blot the stain with something absorbent like a paper towel. The goal is to catch most of the liquid right away. Rubbing the stain may spread the wine further, leaving a larger stain.

Step Two: Dab with Detergent and Water

Mix a teaspoon of color-safe detergent with warm water. Dip a clean cloth in the mixture and dab at the stain. Be sure not to use too much water as this will cause the stain to spread. Do not rub the area. Continue dabbing until the stain starts to become lighter and then stop.

Step Three: Rinse

Rinse the stained area with cold water to remove any detergent residue. Again, be careful not to use too much water and make sure not to rub the area.

Step Four: Soak

Soak garment in a solution of two cups of cold water and a teaspoon of white vinegar for 15 minutes. White vinegar is great for removing many types of stains, including white wine.

Step Five: Wash and Dry

After soaking, wash the garment in the washing machine following the instructions on the care label. Make sure to avoid using hot water because this will cause the wine stain to set in. Once washed, dry the garment as usual.

Extra Tips

If the stain remains after washing, repeat steps 2-5.
If stain is still visible after soaking, apply some ammonia to the area and rinse with cold water.
For tough stains, use a commercial pre-treatment product.

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